Bismarck Board of Park Commissioners Brief for July 20, 2023
Ian Easton shared information about the Burleigh County Bicycle Cult (BCBC) as a Bismarck Parks and Recreation District (BPRD) featured partner. The organization hosts 15 races annually, including the BCBC Summer Series, Gravel Series and Cyclocross Series. The races are often held at BPRD parks, including Rosa Young, Sleepy Hollow and Zonta Parks. BCBC volunteers also help maintain single track trails throughout the community.
Steve Chuppe with Bismarck Baseball Boosters (BBB) shared elements of the Bismarck Municipal Ballpark Master Plan Phase 3. He asked the Board to allow BPRD to apply for a $1 million matching grant through the N.D. Park System Grant Program and committed BBB to raise matching funds for a batter’s eye and expanded ticket booth at the ballpark. The Board authorized BPRD staff to work with BBB on a capital campaign to raise the required matching funds for a portion of the project.
The 2024 operating budget was introduced as a balanced budget with a slight decrease in mills. The Board moved to approve the introduction of the 2024 operating budget as presented, to approve the 2024 budget resolution, and to approve the preliminary budget statement for 2024 and set the public hearing for Sept. 21 at 5:15 p.m. in the Tom Baker Room in the City/County Building.
The Board rejected the bid for the General Sibley Park Septic System and Absorption Field due to the higher than budgeted cost and authorized staff to continue to work with the consultant on potential solutions to the complete to project and rebid.
The Board accepted the bid from Engineering & Construction Innovations for the Hay Creek Retaining Wall Rehabilitation in the amount of $617,000.
The Board rejected the bid for the Sheila Schafer Junior Links Relocation Project due to the higher than budgeted cost and authorized rebidding the project for 2024 construction.
Daniel Narin from the City of Bismarck presented Bismarck Renaissance Zone information and shared their intention to ask for the Board’s support for reinstating Bismarck’s program at the August meeting.
The Board approved agreements related to ice arenas with Bismarck Hockey Boosters, Bismarck Figure Skating Club and Capital Curling Club; advertising with Bismarck Sports Group; and BSC Aquatic & Wellness Center with Bismarck Public Schools, as well as authorization to select a project consultant for the Meridian Drive-General Sibley Park Trail Project.
The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, at 5:15 p.m. in the Tom Baker Meeting Room.